Port-Level Surcharge Breakdown 2025: What You Can (and Can’t) Negotiate

TL;DR:
Port-level surcharges in 2025 can quietly add $200–$500+ per container. Terminal Handling Charges (THC), Documentation Fees, Wharfage, and congestion penalties are among the top contributors. Use this guide to know what’s negotiable, what’s not, and how to reduce hidden fees through smarter Incoterm choices and contract structuring.

Why Port-Level Surcharges Matter in 2025

Hidden charges at ports can account for up to 25% of landed logistics cost, especially when unmonitored across multiple trade lanes.
They are not standardized across ports or carriers. For example, THC can range from $150 in Korea to $750 in Seattle per container.
New charges such as emergency dwell surcharges and increased documentation fees are emerging amid congestion and regulatory change.
Procurement teams must track these costs, especially under FOB or CIF Incoterms, where liability can shift unexpectedly.

What Counts as a Port-Level Surcharge?

Port surcharges vary by port operator, but commonly include the following:

Surcharge Type	Description
Terminal Handling Charge (THC)	Fees for container movement within the terminal, including loading/unloading and stacking.
Documentation Fee (DOF)	Administrative charges for export/import paperwork, bills of lading, and customs filings.
Wharfage	Charge by the port authority for use of berths and quay infrastructure.
Port Security Fee	ISPS-compliant security fee for terminal safety and facility access controls.
Container Seal Charge	Cost for seal application to containers for customs or security purposes.
Advanced Filing Surcharge (AFS)	Late or amended filing fees (e.g., AMS, ACI, ENS) for security filings beyond cutoff.
Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS)	Temporary surcharge levied during congestion periods. Can reach $1,250/TEU at peak.
Chassis Usage/Detention Fee	Charges for equipment use, late return, or chassis repositioning. Often $25–$75 per day.

Typical Price Ranges by Port Region

The cost of port-level surcharges can vary significantly depending on the region, port, and container type. Below is a comparison of typical fees in Korea, China, and the U.S. West Coast as of 2024–2025.

Korea (Busan & Incheon)

Fee Type	20′ DRY	40′ DRY	20′ RF	40′ RF	Currency
Terminal Handling Charge	150,000	210,000	250,000	375,000	KRW
Documentation Fee	40,000	40,000	—	—	KRW
Container Seal Charge	8,000	8,000	8,000	8,000	KRW
Wharfage	4,200	8,400	4,200	8,400	KRW
Port Safety Fee	251	502	251	502	KRW
Port Security Fee	86	172	86	172	KRW
Advanced Filing Surcharge	—	—	$30	$30	USD

China (Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian)

Fee Type	20′ GP	40′ GP/HC	20′ RF	40′ RF	Currency
Terminal Handling Charge	985	1,290	1,420	920	CNY
Delivery Order Fee	400	—	450	—	CNY
Low Sulphur Surcharge	120	240	120	240	CNY
Container Imbalance Charge	95	190	95	190	CNY
EIR Fee	300	50	300	50	CNY

Negotiable vs. Non-Negotiable Fees

Understanding which port-level fees can be negotiated is critical for cost control, especially for high-volume or contract shippers. Below is a breakdown of what’s negotiable and what typically isn’t.

Negotiable Fees	Notes
Terminal Handling Charges (THC)	Negotiable in contracts for high-volume shippers or included in all-in freight rates
Chassis Usage Fees	Negotiable through asset-based drayage providers or capacity pools
Documentation/Delivery Order Fees	Can often be waived or reduced in bundled forwarder/NVOCC agreements
Demurrage/Detention	Free time extensions and reduced daily rates can be negotiated case-by-case
Congestion Surcharges	May be waived for long-term contracts or strategic accounts

Non-Negotiable Fees	Reason
Wharfage	Fixed by port authority tariffs
Port Security & Safety Fees	Mandated by ISPS or local port regulations
Advanced Filing Surcharge (AFS)	Required for late or amended filings; carrier-imposed
Low Sulphur Surcharges	Environmental compliance; not typically waived

Recent Fee Increases & Regulatory Changes

In recent years, a combination of market volatility, port congestion, and regulatory updates have reshaped port-level surcharges. Knowing which changes are permanent versus temporary can guide smarter cost negotiations and expectations.

Peak Season Surcharge (PSS): MSC raised PSS by USD 500 for 20′ and USD 1,000 for 40′ containers starting November 9, 2024.
U.S. Emergency Port Fees: Ports of LA/LB introduced emergency congestion surcharges for lingering containers, though full implementation has been delayed based on terminal conditions.
Seattle Extended Dwell Fee: Up to $150/day for containers dwelling beyond 5 days, effective since late 2021 and still active in 2025.
Korea THC Increase: Swire Shipping increased Busan/Incheon THC to KRW 150,000 (20′) and KRW 210,000 (40′) effective May 4, 2025.
China Port Adjustments: Ningbo-Zhoushan raised base THC by 10% on January 1, 2022. Other carriers have followed suit with similar hikes.

Most of these changes are publicly posted by carriers or port operators but may be delayed or waived through negotiation or government intervention. Procurement teams should track advisories for surcharge updates and dispute timing.

Real-World Examples

Yantian Congestion Surcharge: In June 2021, carriers levied USD 1,000 per container due to extreme COVID-related congestion in South China. This remained in place for several months and exposed shippers to massive unplanned costs.
Freight Invoice Breakdown (Ningbo → Mundra, May 2025): One documented shipment included: THC CNY 620/20′, CNY 930/40′; DOC CNY 450; EDI fee CNY 10. Such breakdowns show how quickly accessorials add up.
LA/LB Demurrage Plan: Beginning November 1, 2021, containers dwelling 9+ days (truck) or 6+ days (rail) triggered $100/day escalating fees. Although enforcement was paused, it signaled an aggressive move toward congestion deterrence.

Studying past examples helps forecast risk and advocate for more flexible terms when negotiating all-in contracts. A surge in emergency or seasonal surcharges without warning can turn an otherwise profitable shipment into a margin loss.

Most Commonly Negotiated Surcharges

At major Asian and U.S. ports in 2024–2025, certain port surcharges are more likely to be negotiable—especially for high-volume shippers or in times of disruption. Understanding which fees can be challenged is key to cost control.

Port Congestion Surcharges (PCS): Frequently adjusted during congestion spikes. Shippers may negotiate additional free days or reduced fees in exchange for volume or loyalty commitments.
Demurrage & Detention Charges: Commonly negotiated when delays are due to carrier, customs, or port issues. Terms may include extended free time or capped daily rates.
Terminal Handling Charges (THC): While base rates are often fixed by port or carrier, the application (e.g., bundled vs. separate) can be negotiated. High-volume or contract customers may secure inclusive pricing.
Documentation/Delivery Order Fees (DOF/D/O): Negotiable with forwarders and NVOCCs, particularly with long-term or consolidated shipping relationships.

Less flexible surcharges include mandatory port fees such as security or wharfage, which are tariff-based and generally non-negotiable.

Recent examples: In Vietnam, fee inflation triggered new regulatory disclosures, but no caps—reinforcing negotiation as a primary defense for shippers. In Korea and China, volume-based rebates on THC and documentation are increasingly common.

Recent Fee Hikes and Policy Shifts

Several key developments in 2024–2025 have changed the surcharge landscape at major global ports. These include both temporary hikes and long-term structural changes.

Peak Season Surcharge (PSS): MSC increased PSS by $500 per 20′ and $1,000 per 40′ in late 2024 for Asia–Europe routes.
Emergency Congestion Fees (U.S.): Ports of LA/LB introduced a $100/day surcharge for containers dwelling past 9 days (truck) or 6 days (rail), though implementation has fluctuated.
Seattle Extended Dwell Fees: As of December 2024, containers at Seattle terminals incur stepped surcharges starting at $50/day and rising to $150/day after 15 days.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: THC raised 10% in early 2025, reflecting port upgrades and increased handling costs.
Korea THC Update: Swire raised THC to KRW 150,000 (20′) and KRW 210,000 (40′) effective May 2025.

These changes highlight the volatility of surcharge structures and the importance of staying current with port advisories and carrier announcements.

Real-World Examples of Surcharge Impact

Understanding how these surcharges play out in actual shipments can help logistics teams anticipate and mitigate cost escalation. Here are three recent examples:

Yantian COVID Congestion (June 2021): Carriers levied $1,000 per container PCS due to severe delays. Shippers with volume contracts were able to negotiate partial waivers or deferred billing.
LA/LB Dwell Fee Announcement (Nov 2021): Proposed surcharge of $100/day escalating for containers dwelling beyond 9 days. Though delayed, the policy pressured BCOs to expedite pickups.
Freight Invoice Breakdown – Ningbo to Mundra (May 2025): A standard export shipment via EMC included:
- THC: CNY 620/20′, CNY 930/40′
- DOC Fee: CNY 450
- EDI Transmission: CNY 10
Totaling over CNY 1,000 in surcharges beyond base freight.

These scenarios illustrate how seemingly small fees can quickly stack up to hundreds of dollars per container—and why proactive management matters.

Incoterms and Billing Transparency

Who pays which surcharge often comes down to Incoterms and how freight providers structure invoices. Here’s how charges typically shift based on trade terms:

Incoterm	Who Pays THC, DOF, etc.?	Billing Implication
FOB (Free on Board)	Buyer pays origin THC and export documentation fees	Charges may appear separately on invoice or in local handling line items
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)	Seller typically bundles THC/DOF into total cost	Shipper negotiates “all-in” rates with carrier or forwarder
EXW (Ex Works)	Buyer pays all charges from origin door onward	High visibility needed to avoid overcharges on local add-ons

Beyond Incoterms, invoice type also matters:

Carrier invoices: Typically itemize port fees like THC, PCS, and PSS
NVOCC invoices: May include markup or additional consolidation fees
Freight forwarders: May blend surcharges into broader service bundles

Buyers should request detailed cost breakdowns and review service contracts to clarify what’s included versus pass-through.

Actionable Insights for Logistics Buyers

Here’s how to proactively manage and reduce the impact of port-level surcharges:

Audit Freight Invoices: Regularly cross-check charges like THC, D/O, and PSS against carrier advisories and port tariffs. Catch billing errors or duplicate fees early.
Bundle Contracts: Consolidate volume and negotiate annual terms for repeat surcharges (e.g. THC, chassis). Carriers are more flexible when future volume is locked in.
Use Smart Incoterms: Choose trade terms that shift negotiable charges to the party with better bargaining power or more transparency (e.g., CIF with trusted forwarder).
Monitor Port Surcharge Updates: Subscribe to shipping line advisory feeds and port operator notices to track changes in PCS, PSS, and congestion fees.
Adopt Digital Filing Tools: Filing platforms for eSI/ACI can reduce manual documentation fees and amendment penalties.
Tap into Chassis Pools: In congested areas like LA/LB, join asset-based chassis pools to cut “split charges” and avoid scarcity premiums.

Shippers that apply these steps consistently can reduce total freight invoice costs by 15–25%, especially in volatile trade lanes or when managing high-frequency shipments.

Quick Summary: What You Need to Know About Port-Level Surcharges

Common surcharges like THC, DOF, Wharfage, and Congestion Fees can add $200–$500+ per container.
Rates vary significantly by region: Korea (₩150,000–375,000), China (¥950–1,920), and US West Coast ($100–750).
Frequently negotiated fees include: THC application, congestion, demurrage, and documentation/D.O. fees.
Non-negotiable fees typically include wharfage, port security, and ISPS-mandated charges.
Smart contract terms, invoice audits, and digital filing tools help shippers save 15–25% in hidden costs.

Visibility Is Your First Line of Defense Against Hidden Costs

TRADLINX gives you real-time container tracking across ocean, port, and inland legs — so you can spot delays before they lead to detention, congestion surcharges, or missed free time. Know where your freight is, what’s slowing it down, and what it means for your margins.

Logistics Pros Ask:

Can I negotiate terminal handling charges? Yes, the application of THC (inclusion in all-in rates, discounts) is commonly negotiated—especially by high-volume shippers.
How do Incoterms affect port charges? Terms like FOB and CIF shift cost responsibilities. With FOB, buyers often pay origin THC and DOF. With CIF, those may be bundled by the seller or forwarder.
What’s the most overlooked surcharge? Documentation Fees and Delivery Order charges are often small but stack up—especially if not audited or digitized.
Are congestion and dwell time fees avoidable? Not always, but capacity planning and working with asset-based providers can reduce impact or qualify you for exemptions.

Sources & References

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